Coupler for cable trough

ABSTRACT

Couplers for a cable trough system including a spacing defined by first and second guiding surfaces, the spacing being sized to receive the terminal end of a trough member into the spacing. One or more springs are carried on the couplers and may be at least partially disposed within the spacing between the first and the second guiding surfaces. The springs urge the terminal end of the trough member against the coupler upon insertion of the terminal end into the spacing. One or more locking elements are coupled adjacent to the springs to move between a locking position and a released position. The locking elements may slide longitudinally or move perpendicularly to the couplers. A first trough member may be released from the couplers independent from a second trough member coupled to the couplers. Methods for use of the couplers are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for the management androuting of telecommunication cables, and, more particularly, to acoupler for joining two or more trough members.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the telecommunications industry, the use of optical fibers forsignal transmissions is accelerating. With the increased utilization ofoptical fiber systems, optical fiber cable management requires industryattention.

[0003] One area of optical fiber management that is necessary is therouting of optical fibers from one piece of equipment to another. Forexample, in a telecommunications facility, optical fiber cables may berouted between fiber distribution equipment and optical line terminatingequipment. In buildings and other structures that carry such equipment,the cable routing can take place in concealed ceiling areas or in anyother manner to route cables from one location to another.

[0004] When routing optical fibers and other cables such as copperwires, it is desirable that a routing system will be readily modifiableand adaptable to changes in equipment needs. Accordingly, such routingsystems include a plurality of components, such as trough members andcouplers, for defining the cable routing paths. The trough members arejoined together by couplings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,678, 5,316,243, and5,752,781 all teach cable routing systems that include a plurality oftrough members and couplers.

[0005] Various concerns arise in the use of couplers for coupling troughmembers. One concern is that a plurality of hardware is used for joiningthe trough members. This hardware can be cumbersome. Further, there issometimes a need to rearrange or change the trough members and couplers.It is desirable to provide couplers that can be disconnected.

SUMMARY

[0006] A coupler for a cable trough system according to one aspect ofthe invention may include a body having a body terminal end defining anoverlap region, the overlap region being sized to slideably receive aterminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of thetrough member, a spring positioned to selectively engage the terminalend of the trough member, and a slide carried on the body for moving thespring between a locking position and a release position, the slidemoveable in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a coupler for acable trough system including a trough member having a terminal end mayinclude a body having an open end and including first and second guidingsurfaces defining a spacing, the spacing being sized to receive theterminal end, with the first guiding surface slideably engageable withan internal wall surface of the terminal end and with the second guidingsurface slideably engageable with an external wall surface of theterminal end, a spring carried on the body and directed to push theterminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminal end intothe spacing; and a locking element carried on the body, wherein thelocking element is slidingly coupled to the body to slide between afirst sliding position wherein the spring engages the terminal endwithin the spacing and a second sliding position wherein the spring isreleased to allow the terminal end to be removed from the spacingdefined by the body, the locking element being slideable in a directionparallel to the first and second guiding surfaces.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler fora cable trough system including trough members having a terminal endwith first and second side walls joined at lower edges by a bottom walland where the side walls and the bottom wall have a wall thicknessseparating internal and external wall surfaces may include a bodyincluding first and second guiding surfaces defining a spacing, thespacing being sized to receive the wall thickness inserted into thespacing in a longitudinal direction and having an unobstructed open endfor admitting the terminal end into the spacing with the first guidingsurface slideably engageable with the internal wall surface of theterminal end and with the second guiding surface slideably engageablewith the external wall surface of the terminal end, the first guidingsurface having a generally U-shaped configuration including first andsecond side wall portions joined at lower edges by a bottom wallportion, and the second guiding surface at least partially surroundingthe first and second side wall portions and the bottom wall portion ofthe first guiding surface, a plurality of springs positioned to urge theterminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminal end intothe spacing, and a plurality of moveable locking elements carried on thebody, wherein each locking element of the plurality of locking elementsis slidingly coupled to the body to slide in the longitudinal directionbetween a first sliding position wherein a respective spring of theplurality of springs engages the terminal end within the spacing and asecond sliding position wherein the respective spring is released toallow the terminal end to be removed from the spacing of the coupler.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a methodfor using a coupler and a first trough member may include the steps of:providing a terminal end of the first trough member coupled to thecoupler, wherein the terminal end was inserted in a longitudinaldirection into a spacing defined by the coupler; sliding a lockingelement on the coupler parallel to the longitudinal direction to releasea spring from a locking position; and removing the terminal end of thefirst trough member from the spacing so that the terminal end slidespast the spring.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention may include a coupler for a cabletrough system including first and second trough members having terminalends, the coupler including a body having open ends and including firstand second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half ofthe body and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminalend of the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing ina longitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second troughmember being inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinaldirection, and a releasable spring mechanism disposed on the bodyadjacent the first guiding surface, wherein the releasable springmechanism includes a first portion that engages the terminal end of thefirst trough member and a second portion that engages the terminal endof the second trough member, and wherein the first portion of thereleasable spring mechanism is released independently of the secondportion to release the terminal end of the first trough member whilemaintaining engagement of the second portion with the terminal end ofthe second trough member.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention may include a coupler for a cabletrough system including a body having a body terminal end defining anoverlap region, the overlap region being sized to slideably receive aterminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of thetrough member between a first and a second guiding surface of the body,a spring positioned to selectively force the terminal end of the troughmember, the spring including a longitudinal portion coupled at an end toan arm portion, wherein the longitudinal portion extends from the end inthe longitudinal direction towards the body terminal end, and whereinthe arm portion extends at an angle in relation to the longitudinalportion towards the first guiding surface and away from the bodyterminal end, and a locking element carried on the body for positioningthe spring, the locking element being coupled to the spring and the bodyat a point between the arm portion of the spring and the body terminalend, and wherein the locking element is moveable perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction between a locking position and a releaseposition.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler fora cable trough system may include a body having a body terminal enddefining an overlap region, the overlap region being sized to slideablyreceive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal directionof the trough member between a first and a second guiding surface of thebody, a spring positioned to selectively force the terminal end of thetrough member, the spring including a longitudinal portion coupled at anend to an arm portion, wherein the longitudinal portion extends from theend in the longitudinal direction towards the body terminal end, andwherein the arm portion extends at an angle in relation to thelongitudinal portion towards the first guiding surface and away from thebody terminal end, and a locking element carried on the body forpositioning the spring, the locking element being coupled to the springand the body at a point between the arm portion of the spring and thebody terminal end, and wherein the locking element is moveableperpendicular to the longitudinal direction between a locking positionand a release position.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler fora cable trough system including first and second trough members havingterminal ends may include a body having open ends and including firstand second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half ofthe body and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminalend of the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing ina longitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second troughmember being inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinaldirection, a first spring portion coupled to the body, a second springportion coupled to the body, and means for selectively releasing thefirst or second spring portion from engagement with the first or secondtrough member while maintaining engagement of the other with the firstor second trough member.

[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a couplerfor a cable trough system including first and second trough membershaving terminal ends may include a body having open ends and includingfirst and second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a firsthalf of the body and a second spacing in a second half of the body, theterminal end of the first trough member being inserted into the firstspacing in a longitudinal direction and the terminal end of the secondtrough member being inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinaldirection, a first spring portion coupled to the body, a second springportion coupled to the body, a first locking element coupled adjacent tothe first spring portion, and a second locking element coupled adjacentto the second spring portion, wherein the first locking element pushesthe first spring portion against the first trough member and the secondlocking element pushes the second spring portion against the secondtrough member, and wherein the first spring portion and associated firstlocking element are released to release the first trough member whilemaintaining engagement of the second spring portion and the associatedsecond locking element with the second trough member.

[0015] Another aspect according to the invention may include a methodfor use of a coupler and a trough system including first and secondtrough members, the method including the steps of: providing a terminalend of the first trough member coupled to the coupler and a terminal endof the second trough member coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminalends were inserted in a longitudinal direction into first and secondspacings defined by the coupler, wherein the first trough member is heldto the coupler with a first spring portion, and wherein the secondtrough member is held to the coupler with a second spring portion;releasing the first spring portion to release the terminal end of thefirst trough member without releasing the terminal end of the secondtrough member; and removing the terminal end of the first trough memberfrom the first spacing.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a method for use of a couplerand a trough system including first and second trough members mayincluding the steps of: providing a terminal end of the first troughmember coupled to the coupler and a terminal end of the second troughmember coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal ends were insertedin a longitudinal direction into first and second spacings defined bythe coupler; releasing a plurality of first locking elements on thecoupler in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction torelease a plurality of first springs from a locking position to releasethe terminal end of the first trough member without releasing theterminal end of the second trough member; and removing the terminal endof the first trough member from the first spacing so that the terminalend of the first trough member slides past the first plurality ofsprings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupler inaccordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 2-5 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively,of the coupler shown in FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 1 with one ofthe locking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view along line B-B of FIG. 2showing the locking element and the spring in the first slidingposition.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a portion of the coupler of FIG. 1 illustrating theouter side wall portion with the locking element removed in accordancewith the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a side view of the locking element of FIG. 3.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C of the lockingelement shown in FIG. 9.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the lockingelement of FIG. 2, with the locking element positioned in the secondsliding position.

[0025]FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view along line A-A of thelocking element of FIG. 2, with the locking element positioned in thefirst sliding position.

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 1-12 and twotrough members coupled to the coupler in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0027] FIGS. 14-17 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively,of the coupler and trough members of FIG. 13.

[0028]FIG. 18 is a cross-section top view along line D-D of FIG. 15showing a portion of the coupler and the trough members with the lockingelement and spring in the second sliding position.

[0029] FIGS. 19-21 are perspective, front, and top views, respectively,of a first alternative embodiment of a spring in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0030] FIGS. 22-24 are perspective, front, and top views, respectively,of a second alternative embodiment of a spring in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a couplerin accordance with the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 26-29 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively,of the coupler shown in FIG. 25.

[0033]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 25 with oneof the locking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance withthe present invention.

[0034]FIGS. 31 and 32 are perspective and side views, respectively, ofthe spring shown in FIG. 30.

[0035]FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective and side views, respectively, ofthe locking element shown in FIG. 30.

[0036]FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of thelocking element shown in FIG. 34.

[0037]FIG. 36 is a portion of the coupler of FIG. 25 illustrating theouter side wall portion with the locking element removed in accordancewith the present invention.

[0038]FIGS. 37 and 38 are cross-sectional views taken along line F-F ofFIG. 26 showing a portion of the outer side wall portion and the lockingelement.

[0039]FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of FIG. 26with trough members installed showing a portion of the outer side wallportion, the locking elements, and the springs.

[0040]FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a couplerin accordance with the present invention.

[0041] FIGS. 41-44 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively,of the coupler shown in FIG. 40.

[0042]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 40 with oneof the locking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance withthe present invention.

[0043]FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of FIG. 41showing a portion of the coupler with the third locking element andassociated springs.

[0044]FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 40-46 andtwo trough members coupled to the coupler in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0045] FIGS. 48-50 are top, bottom, and front views, respectively, ofthe coupler and trough members of FIG. 47.

[0046]FIG. 51 is a cross-section view taken along line I-I of FIG. 50showing a portion of the coupler and the trough members with the thirdlocking element and associated springs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a coupler 100 is provided inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Thecoupler 100 includes a first guiding surface 101 and a second guidingsurface 102 at least partially surrounding the first guiding surface101, as well as a first coupler end 110 and a second coupler end 111. Aspacing 103 is defined between the first guiding surface 101 and thesecond guiding surface 102. The spacing 103 is sized to receive a troughmember (see trough members 201 and 202 of FIGS. 13-18) or other systemcomponent inserted into the spacing 103 in a longitudinal direction 190.

[0048] A releasable spring mechanism 139 releasably mounts the coupler100 to a trough member at each end 110 and 111. Preferably, the springmechanism 139 can be activated or locked during insertion of a troughmember end into one of the coupler ends 110 and 111. At the desiredtime, the spring mechanism 139 is released to allow decoupling of thecoupler 100 and the trough member.

[0049] The first guiding surface 101 of the coupler 100 is generallyU-shaped, including a first side wall portion 104 and a second side wallportion 105, as well as a bottom wall portion 106 joining the first andsecond side wall portions 104 and 105. The second guiding surface 102 isalso U-shaped, includes a midpoint or midsection 175 dividing thecoupler 100 into first and second halves 176 and 177, and generallysurrounds at least a portion of the first guiding surface 101.

[0050] First and second springs 120 and 121 of the releasable springmechanism 139 are generally disposed adjacent to the first and secondside wall portions 104 and 105 in the spacing 103. It is not necessarythat the entirety of the first and second springs 120 and 121 becontained within the spacing 103. In fact, the springs 120 and 121 may,but need not, completely clear the spacing 103 when in an unlockedposition. When in a locked position, a portion of the springs 120 and121 may partially enter the spacing 103 to push against a trough memberinserted into the spacing 103. In addition, as is shown in thisembodiment, a third spring 122 is disposed adjacent to the bottom wallportion 106 in the spacing 103.

[0051] First, second, and third locking elements 107, 108, and 109 ofthe releasable spring mechanism 139 are slidingly coupled to an exteriorof the coupler 100. The first, second, and third locking elements 107,108, and 109 are positioned adjacent to the first, second, and thirdsprings 120, 121, and 122, respectively. Although the first spring 120and the first locking element 107 are described in detail below, thesecond and third springs 121 and 122 and the second and third lockingelements 108 and 109 have an identical structure in the illustratedembodiment.

[0052] As shown with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first spring 120comprises a longitudinal portion 160 coupled to a first arm 161 at afirst end and to a second arm 162 at a second end. The first and secondarms 161 and 162 engage, force, push, urge, or are biased against atrough member inserted in the spacing 103 to couple the coupler 100 tothe trough member.

[0053] In the example embodiment, the first and second arms 161 and 162extend from the longitudinal portion 160 at an angle. In one example, anangle less than 90 degrees is defined between the longitudinal portion160 and each of the arms 161 and 162. The arms 161 and 162 defineprojections that project at an angle to the longitudinal direction. Thearms 161 and 162 project toward the interior of the spacing 103 awayfrom the coupler ends 110 and 111 to resist pull out of the troughmember from the coupler 100. Ends 191 and 192 engage trough members thatare inserted into the coupler 100 and increase the hold down force asthe trough members are pulled in a direction away (e.g. opposite 190)from the coupler 100. The ends 191 and 192 push down during insertion ofthe trough member.

[0054] The first spring 120 can take a variety of forms besides thatshown in the example embodiment. Other spring configurations, andspecifically springs including different bends extending at differentangles, are also possible, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19-24,described below. The springs of FIGS. 6, 7, and 19-24 exert a force on atrough member or other system component inserted in the coupler 100 toretain the component in the coupler 100.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 6, the first spring 120 further definesan aperture 165 sized to engage a boss 163 coupled adjacent to thesecond guiding surface 102. After the aperture 165 defined by the firstspring 120 is positioned around the boss 163 on the first guidingsurface 101, the first locking element 107 is longitudinally slid overthe first spring 120 to retain the first spring 120 in place.

[0056] The first locking element 107 comprises first and second ends 166and 167. A handle portion 168 is disposed adjacent a middle of thelocking element 107 between the ends 166 and 167. The first lockingelement 107 is slidingly coupled to the second guiding surface 102 onrailways 164 to allow the first locking element 107 to slidelongitudinally into first, second, and third sliding positions withrespect to the first spring 120 and the second guiding surface 102. Thefirst locking element 107 is retained in the first, second, and thirdsliding positions via detents 113, 114, and 115 formed at intervalsalong the railways 164.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, locking springs 112 disposed on upper andlower surfaces of the locking element 107 are positioned to engage thedetents 113, 114, and 115. For example, when the locking element 107 isslid to the first sliding position shown in FIG. 12, the locking spring112 engages detent 113 and stops the locking element 107 from slidingany farther along the railways 164, thereby preventing the lockingelement 107 from accidentally disengaging from the railways 164.Similarly, in the second sliding position, the locking spring 112engages the detent 114, as shown in FIG. 11. In the third slidingposition, which is the mirror image of the first sliding position shownin FIG. 12, the locking spring 112 engages the detent 115.

[0058] The second guiding surface 102 further defines a first aperture173 and a second aperture 174 adjacent to the first spring 120, as shownin FIGS. 7 and 8. The first locking element 107 is positioned toselectively cover and expose the first and second apertures 173 and 174depending on whether the locking element 107 is in the first, second, orthird sliding position. In the first sliding position, shown in FIG. 7,the locking element 107 is positioned to cover the second aperture 174and to expose the first aperture 173. In this manner, the first arm 161of the first spring 120 engages the first side wall portion 104 of thefirst guiding surface 101, while the second arm 162 is released andallowed to partially retract into the first aperture 173.

[0059] In the second sliding, or locked, position (shown in FIG. 13),the locking element 107 is positioned to cover both the first and secondapertures 173 and 174, thereby urging both the first and second arms 161and 162 toward the first side wall portion 104 of the first guidingsurface 101. In this position both of the angled arms 161 and 162project to provide the resistive force against pull out.

[0060] In the third sliding position (the mirror image of that shown inFIG. 7), the second arm 162 of the first spring 120 engages the firstguiding surface 101 of the coupler 100, while the first arm 161 isreleased and allowed to partially retract into the second aperture 174.The second and third locking elements 108 and 109 and the second andthird springs 121 and 122 function in a similar manner to that of thefirst locking element 107 and the first spring 120.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 13-18, an embodiment of a trough system180 is shown including the coupler 100 as well as first and secondtrough members 201 and 202 in accordance with the present invention. Thefirst and second trough members 201 and 202 are generally U-shaped andcomprise, respectively, terminal ends 203 and 204, first side walls 205and 208, second side walls 206 and 209, bottom walls 207 and 210,internal surfaces 221 and 222, and external surfaces 223 and 224. Thetrough members 201 and 202 can also take the form of other systemcomponents, such as T-fittings, downspouts, or elbows, as desired.

[0062] As illustrated, the terminal ends 203 and 204 of the troughmembers 201 and 202 may be slidingly engaged in the spacing 103 betweenthe first and second guiding surfaces 101 and 102 of the coupler 100. Inother words, the thickness of the walls of each of the trough members201 and 202, or the distance between the inner surfaces 221 and 222 andthe outer surfaces 223 and 224, are sized to fit within the spacing 103of the coupler 100. The coupler 100 overlaps the terminal ends of eachof the trough members to form the coupling.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 18, with the first trough member 201placed within the spacing 103 of the coupler 100, the first spring 120is pushed by the first locking element 107. The first arm 161 of thefirst spring 120 pushes against the external wall surface 223 of theterminal end 203 of the first trough member 201, urging the internalsurface 221 against the first guiding surface 101 of the coupler 100.Likewise, with the second trough member 202 placed within the spacing103 on the second coupler end 111 of the coupler 100, the second arm 162of the first spring 120 pushes against the external wall surface 224 ofthe terminal end 204 of the second trough member 202, urging theinternal surface 222 against the first guiding surface 101 of thecoupler 100. In this manner, the terminal ends 203 and 204 of the troughmembers 201 and 202 may be retained within the first and second couplerends 110 and 111 of the coupler 100. The first and second arms 161 and162 resist pull out of the trough members 201 and 202. The ends 191 and192 grip the trough members and are forced into the trough members 201and 202, due to their angled shape, to resist pull out.

[0064] An example method for coupling one or more trough members to thecoupler 100 in accordance with the present invention is as follows. Thelocking elements 107, 108, and 109 may be slid to the second slidingposition so that the locking elements 107, 109, and 109 are all inengagement with the springs 120, 121, and 122. Ends 191 and 192 do notinterfere with insertion of the trough members 201 and 202 due to theirangled shape. The angled shape is angled toward the direction ofinsertion of the terminal end of the trough member.

[0065] With the locking elements 107, 108, and 109 in the secondsliding, or locked, position, the terminal end 203 of the first troughmember 201 is then inserted into the spacing 103 between the first andsecond guiding surfaces 101 and 102. The terminal end 203 is inserteduntil the terminal end 203 passes the springs 120, 121, and 122 andabuts a trough stop 230 disposed within the spacing 103. In thisposition, the first arms 161 of the springs 120, 121, and 122 engage theexternal wall surface 223 of the first trough member 201, therebypushing the internal wall surface 222 against the first guiding surface101 to lock the first trough member 201 into the coupler 100. Pull outis resisted by the angled shape of the arms 161 and 162 and the ends 191and 192 digging into the trough members 201 and 202. The second troughmember 202 may be coupled to the second coupler end 111 of the coupler100 in a similar manner.

[0066] An example method of removing the first trough member 201 inaccordance with the present invention includes sliding the lockingelements 107, 108, and 109 to the first sliding position to release thefirst arms 161 of the springs 120, 121, and 122 and then removing theterminal end 203 of the first trough member 201 from within the spacing103 of the coupler 100. The second trough member 202 may be removed in asimilar fashion.

[0067] A first alternative embodiment of a spring 300 in accordance withthe invention is shown in FIGS. 19-21. The spring 300 may be positionedand functions similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122 describedabove. The spring 300 comprises a longitudinal portion 303 defining anaperture 365 sized to engage a boss such as 163 provided above. Thespring 300 further includes a first crescent portion 301 and a secondcrescent portion 302 coupled to either end of the longitudinal portion303. At the apex of each of the first and second crescent portions 301and 302 are projections 310 and 311, positioned to extend generally atan angle in the direction of the longitudinal portion 303. The first andsecond crescent portions 301 and 302 push a trough member against a wallof a coupler, and the projections 310 and 311 grab the trough membershould a force be exerted on the trough member in a direction to removeit. Ends 315 of the spring 300 are bent at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal portion 303.

[0068] A second alternative embodiment of a spring 400 in accordancewith the invention is shown in FIGS. 22-24. The spring 400 may bepositioned and functions similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122described above. The spring 400 comprises longitudinal portion 403defining an aperture 465 sized to engage a boss such as 163 providedabove. The spring 400 further includes a first angled portion 415comprising legs 401 and 411 and a second angled portion 416 comprisinglegs 402 and 412. At the apex of each of the first and second angledportions 415 and 416 are projections 410 and 411, positioned to extendgenerally at an angle in the direction of the longitudinal portion 403.The first and second angled portions 415 and 416 push a trough memberagainst a wall of a coupler, and the projections 410 and 411 grab thetrough member should a force be exerted on the trough member in adirection to remove it. Ends 420 of the spring 400 are bent at an anglewith respect to the longitudinal portion 403.

[0069] Similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122 described above, thesprings 300 and 400 may be utilized in conjunction with locking elementssuch as 107, 108, and 109 to selectively push trough members against awall of a coupler and to further release trough members to allow for thetrough members to be removed from the coupler. It should be understoodthat additional springs of differing shapes could also be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

[0070] In a second example embodiment according to the invention, acoupler 500 is shown in FIGS. 25-30. In this embodiment, featuresidentical to those found in the coupler 100 are given identicalreference numerals. Instead of a single locking element disposed on eachside and bottom of the coupler as shown in coupler 100, the coupler 500includes first locking elements 550 and 551 with first springs 520 and521 disposed adjacent the first side wall portion 104, second lockingelements 552 and 553 with second springs 522 and 523 disposed adjacentthe second side wall portion 105, and third locking elements 554 and 555with third springs 524 and 525 disposed adjacent the bottom wall portion106. Each of the first locking elements 550 and 551 are independentlymoveable, as are the second locking elements 552 and 553 and the thirdlocking elements 554 and 555.

[0071] The first, second, and third locking elements are slidinglycoupled to an exterior of the coupler 100. Although the first lockingelements 550 and 551 with springs 520 and 521 are described in detailbelow, it should be understood that the second locking elements 552 and553 with springs 522 and 523 and the third locking elements 554 and 555with springs 524 and 525 have identical structures.

[0072] As shown with reference to FIGS. 30-32, the first spring 521comprises a longitudinal portion 560 coupled to a first arm 561, whichin turn is coupled to a second arm 562. In the example embodiment, thefirst and second arms 561 and 562 extend from the longitudinal portion560 at an angle. In the example illustrated, the first arm 561 projectsat angle with respect to the longitudinal portion 560 away from thefirst side wall portion 104. The second arm 562 is also at an angle withrespect to the first arm 561 so that the second arm 562 projects towardsthe first side wall portion 104 of the coupler 500. An end 591 engagesthe trough members and increases the hold down force as the troughmembers are pulled in a direction away (i.e. opposite 190) from thecoupler 100. The end 191 pushes down during insertion of the troughmember. Other angles and shapes are also possible to provide theresistance to pull out.

[0073] The first spring 520 further defines an aperture 565 sized toengage a boss 563 coupled adjacent to the second guiding surface 102.The locking element 551 holds the first spring 521 to the boss 563.After the aperture 565 defined by the first spring 521 is positionedaround the boss 563 on the first guiding surface 101, the first lockingelement 521 is longitudinally slid over the first spring 521 to retainthe first spring 521 in place.

[0074] The first locking element 551 comprises first and second ends 566and 567. A handle portion 568 is disposed adjacent a middle of thelocking element 551. The first locking element 551 is slidingly coupledto the second guiding surface 102 on railways 564 to allow the firstlocking element 551 to slide longitudinally into first and secondsliding positions with respect to the first spring 521 and the secondguiding surface 102.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 33-35, the first locking element 551includes locking springs 512 disposed on upper and lower surfaces of thelocking element 551. The locking springs 512 engage a detent 513 and astop 514 on the railways 564, as shown in FIGS. 36-38.

[0076] In FIG. 36, a portion of the second guiding surface 102 includingthe railways 564 is shown with the locking element 561 removed. Therailways 364 include the detents 513 and the stops 514. As shown in thecross-sections views in FIGS. 37 and 38 taken along line F-F of FIG. 26,the locking springs 512 of the locking element 551 travel along therailways 564 into the first sliding position (FIG. 37), in which thelocking springs engage the detents 513 and into the second slidingposition (FIG. 38), in which the locking springs engage the stops 514.The stops 514 also prevent the locking element 551 from being slid anyfurther in a direction 590, thereby maintaining the locking element 551on the railways 564.

[0077] A cross-section view in FIG. 39 taken along line G-G of FIG. 26illustrates the locking elements 520 and 521 with the trough members 201and 202 inserted into the coupler 500. The locking element 550 is in thefirst, or locked position so that it covers the aperture 174. The end591 of the second arm 561 of the spring 550 is pushed through theaperture 174 and towards the first side wall portion 104. In thisconfiguration, the end 591 of the spring 550 engages the trough member201 to resist pull out of the trough member 201.

[0078] The locking element 551 is shown in the second, or unlockedposition. The spring 521 is allowed to retract partially through theaperture 173. The end 591 of the spring 521 releases away from the firstside wall portion 104, clearing the spacing 103 so that the troughmember 202 may be removed.

[0079] A method of use for the coupler 500 is similar to that of thecoupler 100, except that opposing locking elements can be locked andunlocked independent of each other. For example, if the trough member201 is to be released from the coupler 500, the locking elements 550,552, and 554 can be slid from the first, or locked position, to thesecond, or unlocked position, without moving the locking elements 551,553, and 555.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 40-44, another alternative embodiment of acoupler 1100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The coupler 1100 includes a first guiding surface1101 and a second guiding surface 1102 at least partially surroundingthe first guiding surface 1101, as well as a first coupler end 1110 anda second coupler end 1111. A spacing 1103 is defined between the firstguiding surface 1101 and the second guiding surface 1102. The spacing1103 is sized to receive a trough member (see trough members 1201 and1202 in FIGS. 47-51) or other system component inserted into the spacing1103 in longitudinal direction 1190.

[0081] A releasable spring mechanism 1109 releasably mounts the coupler1100 to a trough member at each end 1110 and 1111. Preferably, thespring mechanism 1109 can be activated or locked during insertion of atrough member end into one of the coupler ends 1110 and 1111. At thedesired time, the spring mechanism 1109 is released to allow decouplingof the coupler 1100 and the trough member.

[0082] The first guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100 is generallyU-shaped, including a first side wall portion 1104 and a second sidewall portion 1105, as well as a bottom wall portion 1106 joining thefirst and second side wall portions 1104 and 1105. The second guidingsurface 1102 is also U-shaped, includes a midpoint or midsection 1175dividing the coupler 1100 into first and second halves 1176 and 1177,and generally surrounds at least a portion of the first guiding surface1101.

[0083] First locking elements 1150 and 1151 of the releasable springmechanism 1109 are positioned adjacent the first side wall portion 1104.In addition, second locking elements 1152 and 1153 are positionedadjacent the second side wall portion 1105. Third locking elements 1154and 1155, as well as 1156 and 1157, are positioned adjacent the bottomwall portion 1106. The locking elements 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154,1155, 1156, and 1157 are illustrated in this preferred embodiment asthreaded screws. However, other locking elements may also be used, suchas pins or other similar fasteners, without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

[0084] First springs 1120 and 1121 of the releasable spring mechanism1109 are generally disposed in the second guiding surface 1102 adjacentto the first side wall portion 1104 in the spacing 1103. Similarly,second springs 1122 and 1123 and third springs 1124 and 1125, as well as1126 and 1127, are positioned adjacent the second side and bottom wallportions 1105 and 1106, respectively. It is not necessary that theentirety of the first, second, or third springs be contained within thespacing 1103. In fact, the entire springs may, but need not, clear thespacing 1103 when in an unlocked position. In a locked position, aportion of the springs may at least partially enter the spacing 1103 topush against a trough member inserted into the spacing 1103. Althoughonly several of the locking elements and springs are described in detailbelow, it should be understood that all of the locking elements 1150,1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, and 1157, as well as the springs1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, and 1127, have an identicalstructure and function in a similar manner.

[0085] As shown with reference to FIG. 45, the first spring 1121comprises a longitudinal portion 1160 coupled to an arm 1161 with an end1191. In the example embodiment, the arm 1161 extends from thelongitudinal portion 1160 at an angle. In one example, an angle greaterthan 90 degrees is defined between the longitudinal portion 1160 and thearm 1161. The arm 1161 projects through the spacing 1103 towards thefirst side wall portion 1104.

[0086] The first spring 1160 further defines an aperture 1165 sized tosurround and allow the first locking element 1151 to pass through theaperture 1165. The first locking element 1151 is then inserted into anaperture 1163 defined by the second guiding surface 1102. In thisconfiguration, the first locking element 1151 holds the first spring1121 to the coupler 1100.

[0087] Additional springs of differing shapes can also be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, the spring 1121could be formed so that the arm 1161 is positioned at an angle less than90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal portion 1160. In anotherembodiment, the longitudinal portions 1160 of the first springs 1120 and1121 could be formed so that they are joined, thereby creating a singlespring unit. Other angles and shapes are also possible to provide theresistance to pull out.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 46, a cross-sectional view taken along lineH-H of FIG. 41 is shown. The second guiding surface 1102 defines a firstaperture 1173 and a second aperture 1174 adjacent to the third springs1124 and 1125. The third locking element 1154 is shown threaded into anaperture 1166 formed on the coupler 1100 to hold the spring 1124 inplace. The third locking element 1154 is screwed completely into theaperture 1166 until it causes the longitudinal portion 1160 of thespring 1124 to be held against the coupler 1100. This is the lockedposition.

[0089] In the locked position, the arm 1161 of the spring 1124 is pushedtowards the bottom wall portion 1106 of the first guiding surface 1101.In this position, the end 1191 of the spring 1124 is projected towardsthe spacing 1103 to engage a trough member inserted into the spacing1103 (not shown) and to provide a resistive force against pull out. Theend 1191 will engage a trough member inserted into the spacing 1103 andincreases the hold down force as the trough member is pulled in adirection away (e.g. opposite 1190) from the coupler 1100.

[0090] The third locking element 1155 is shown, in ghost format,partially screwed into the aperture 1167 to hold the spring 1125 inplace. Because the locking element 1155, in ghost format, is onlypartially screwed into the aperture 1167, the locking element 1155 andthe spring 1125 are shown in an unlocked, or released position. In theunlocked position, the locking element 1151 is partially released,thereby releasing the spring 1125 to allow the spring 1125 to retractpartially back through the second aperture 1174. The other lockingelements and springs disposed on the coupler 1100 function in a mannersimilar to the locking elements 1154 and 1155 and the springs 1124 and1125.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 47-51, an embodiment of a trough system1180 is shown including the coupler 1100 as well as first and secondtrough members 1201 and 1202 in accordance with the present invention.The first and second trough members 1201 and 1202 are generally U-shapedand comprise, respectively, terminal ends 1203 and 1204, first sidewalls 1205 and 1208, second side walls 1206 and 1209, bottom walls 1207and 1210, internal surfaces 1221 and 1222, and external surfaces 1223and 1224. The trough members 1201 and 1202 can also take the form ofother system components, such as T-fittings, downspouts, or elbows, asdesired.

[0092] As illustrated, the terminal ends 1203 and 1204 of the troughmembers 1201 and 1202 may be slidingly engaged in the spacing 1103between the first and second guiding surfaces 1101 and 1102 of thecoupler 1100. In other words, the thickness of the walls of each of thetrough members 1201 and 1202, or the distance between the inner surfaces1221 and 1222 and the outer surfaces 1223 and 1224, are sized to fitwithin the spacing 1103 of the coupler 1100. The coupler 1100 overlapsthe terminal ends of each of the trough members to form the coupling.

[0093] Referring now particularly to the cross-sectional view shown inFIG. 51, taken along line I-I of FIG. 50, the locking elements 1154 and1155 are shown in the locked position. The end 1191 of the spring 1124pushes against the external wall surface 1223 of the terminal end 1203of the first trough member 1201, urging the internal surface 1221against the first guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100. Likewise,with the second trough member 1202 placed within the spacing 1103 on thesecond coupler end 1111 of the coupler 1100, the end 1191 of the spring1125 pushes against the external wall surface 1224 of the terminal end1204 of the second trough member 1202, urging the internal surface 1222against the first guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100. In thismanner, the terminal ends 1203 and 1204 of the trough members 1201 and1202 are retained within the first and second coupler ends 1110 and 1111of the coupler 1100. The ends 1191 of the springs 1124 and 1125 grip thetrough members 1201 and 1202 and resist pull out of the trough members.The ends 1191 may be formed to engage the trough members and slightlydig into the through members, thereby maintaining a greater hold on thetrough members.

[0094] An example method for coupling one or more trough members to thecoupler 1100 in accordance with the present invention is as follows. Thelocking elements 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, and 1157 areall positioned in the locked position, so that the springs 1120, 1121,1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, and 1127 are all pushed towards the firstguiding surface 1101. The ends 1191 of each spring do not interfere withthe insertion of the trough members 1201 and 1202 due to their angledshape. The angled shape is angled toward the direction of insertion ofthe terminal end of the trough member.

[0095] With the locking elements 1150, 1152, 1154, and 1156 in thelocked position, the terminal end 1203 of the first trough member 1201is then inserted into the spacing 1103 between the first and secondguiding surfaces 1101 and 1102. The terminal end 1203 is inserted untilthe terminal end 1203 passes the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 andabuts a trough stop 1230 disposed within the spacing 1103. In thisposition, the ends 1191 of the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 engagethe external wall surface 1223 of the first trough member 1201, therebypushing the internal wall surface 1222 against the first guiding surface1101 to lock the first trough member 1201 into the coupler 1100. Pullout is resisted by the angled shape of the arms 1161 and the ends 1191.The second trough member 1202 may be coupled to the second coupler end1111 of the coupler 1100 in a similar manner.

[0096] An example method for removing the first trough member 1201 inaccordance with the present invention includes at least partiallyunscrewing the locking elements 1150, 1152, 1154, and 1156 to theunlocked position to release the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 andthen removing the terminal end 1203 of the first trough member 1201 fromwithin the spacing 1103 of the coupler 1100. The second trough member1202 may be removed in a similar fashion.

[0097] The couplers 100 500, and 1100 are presented by way of exampleonly, and other configurations are possible. For example, a coupler maybe configured to be coupled to more than two trough members, thereforeincluding more than the first and second coupler ends. Further, agreater number of locking elements and/or springs may be presented foreach coupler end, or, alternatively, fewer locking elements and/orsprings, for example, one may be used.

[0098] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupler for a cable trough system, the couplercomprising: a body having a body terminal end defining an overlapregion, the overlap region being sized to slideably receive a terminalend of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the troughmember; a spring positioned to selectively engage the terminal end ofthe trough member; and a slide carried on the body for moving the springbetween a locking position and a release position, the slide moveable inthe longitudinal direction.
 2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the bodyterminal end is a first body terminal end, the spring is a first spring,and the slide is a first slide, and wherein the body includes a secondbody terminal end defining a second overlap region, and wherein thecoupler further includes: a second spring positioned to selectivelyengage a terminal end of a second trough member, wherein the secondspring is positioned on the second body terminal end opposing the firstspring positioned on the first terminal end; and a second slide carriedon the body for moving the second spring between a locking position anda release position, the second slide moveable in the longitudinaldirection and wherein the second slide is moveable independently fromthe first slide.
 3. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the overlap regiondefines a U-shaped spacing for receiving the terminal end of a U-shapedtrough.
 4. The coupler of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofsprings and a plurality of slides, one slide for each spring.
 5. Thecoupler of claim 1, wherein the spring includes an angled projection forengaging the terminal end of the trough member, the angled projectiondisposed at an angle to the longitudinal direction.
 6. A coupler for acable trough system including a trough member having a terminal end, thecoupler comprising: a body having an open end and including first andsecond guiding surfaces defining a spacing, the spacing being sized toreceive the terminal end, with the first guiding surface slideablyengageable with an internal wall surface of the terminal end and withthe second guiding surface slideably engageable with an external wallsurface of the terminal end; a spring carried on the body and directedto push the terminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminalend into the spacing; and a locking element carried on the body, whereinthe locking element is slidingly coupled to the body to slide between afirst sliding position wherein the spring engages the terminal endwithin the spacing and a second sliding position wherein the spring isreleased to allow the terminal end to be removed from the spacingdefined by the body, the locking element being slideable in a directionparallel to the first and second guiding surfaces.
 7. The coupler ofclaim 6, wherein the spring is disposed within the spacing between thefirst guiding surface and the second guiding surface.
 8. The coupler ofclaim 6, wherein the locking element is slidingly coupled to the secondguiding surface adjacent to the spring.
 9. The coupler of claim 6,wherein the spacing is a first spacing, and wherein the body defines asecond spacing at an opposite end of the body, the second spacing sizedfor a terminal end of a second trough member, wherein the spring engagesthe terminal end of the second trough member when the locking element isin the first sliding position, and wherein the first locking elementfurther includes a third sliding position in which the terminal end ofthe second trough member is released from the coupler.
 10. The couplerof claim 6, wherein the spring comprises: a longitudinal portion havingfirst and second ends, wherein the longitudinal portion is positionedgenerally parallel to the second guiding surface; and a first armcoupled to the longitudinal portion at the first end, wherein the firstarm has an engaging end and is positioned at an angle relative to thelongitudinal portion, wherein the angle projects the engaging end of thefirst arm towards the first guiding surface and away from the open end.11. A coupler for a cable trough system including trough members havinga terminal end with first and second side walls joined at lower edges bya bottom wall and where the side walls and the bottom wall have a wallthickness separating internal and external wall surfaces, the couplercomprising: a body including first and second guiding surfaces defininga spacing, the spacing being sized to receive the wall thicknessinserted into the spacing in a longitudinal direction and having anunobstructed open end for admitting the terminal end into the spacingwith the first guiding surface slideably engageable with the internalwall surface of the terminal end and with the second guiding surfaceslideably engageable with the external wall surface of the terminal end,the first guiding surface having a generally U-shaped configurationincluding first and second side wall portions joined at lower edges by abottom wall portion, and the second guiding surface at least partiallysurrounding the first and second side wall portions and the bottom wallportion of the first guiding surface; a plurality of springs positionedto urge the terminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminalend into the spacing; and a plurality of moveable locking elementscarried on the body, wherein each locking element of the plurality oflocking elements is slidingly coupled to the body to slide in thelongitudinal direction between a first sliding position wherein arespective spring of the plurality of springs engages the terminal endwithin the spacing and a second sliding position wherein the respectivespring is released to allow the terminal end to be removed from thespacing of the coupler.
 12. The coupler of claim 11, wherein a firstspring is disposed along the first side wall portion of the firstguiding surface and a second spring of the plurality of springs isdisposed along the second side wall portion of the first guidingsurface.
 13. The coupler of claim 12, wherein a first locking elementand a second locking element of the plurality of locking elements areslidingly coupled to the body adjacent to the first and second springs.14. The coupler of claim 13, wherein a third spring of the plurality ofsprings is disposed along the bottom wall portion of the first guidingsurface, and wherein a third locking element of the plurality of lockingelements is slidingly coupled to the body adjacent to the third spring.15. The coupler of claim 11, wherein the spacing is a first spacing, andwherein the body defines a second spacing at an opposite end of thebody, the second spacing sized for a terminal end of a second troughmember, wherein each spring engages the terminal end of the secondtrough member when each respective locking element is in the firstsliding position, wherein each respective locking element furtherincludes a third sliding position in which the terminal end of thesecond trough member is released from the coupler.
 16. The coupler ofclaim 11, wherein the spacing is a first spacing, and wherein the bodydefines a second spacing at an opposite end of the body, the secondspacing sized for a terminal end of a second trough member, wherein afirst half of the plurality of springs and associated locking elementsare positioned on the body to push the terminal end of the trough memberand a second half of the plurality of springs and associated lockingelements are positioned on the body to push the terminal end of thesecond trough member inserted into the second spacing, and wherein thefirst half of the springs and associated locking elements are moveableindependently of the second half of the springs and the associatedlocking elements.
 17. The coupler of claim 11, wherein each of theplurality of springs comprises: a longitudinal portion having first andsecond ends, wherein the longitudinal portion is positioned generallyparallel to the second guiding surface; and a first arm coupled to thelongitudinal portion at the first end, wherein the first arm has anengaging end that is positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinalportion, wherein the angle projects the engaging end of the first armtowards the first guiding surface.
 18. The coupler of claim 17, whereineach of the plurality of springs further includes a second arm coupledto the longitudinal portion at the second end, the second arm includingan engaging end projected at the first guiding surface.
 19. The couplerof claim 17, wherein the first arm pushes the internal wall surface ofthe first side wall of the terminal end against the first side wallportion of the first guiding surface.
 20. The coupler of claim 17,wherein the engaging end of the first arm includes at least oneprojection positioned to engage the terminal end of the trough member.21. The coupler of claim 11, wherein the second guiding surface definesa first aperture, wherein a first locking element covers the firstaperture when in the first sliding position and wherein the aperture isunobstructed when the first locking element is in the second slidingposition so that at least part of the longitudinal portion and the firstarm penetrate the aperture when the first locking element is in thesecond sliding position.
 22. The coupler of claim 11, wherein the secondguiding surface further comprises a railway on which each lockingelement is slidably coupled.
 23. The coupler of claim 11, wherein eachlocking element comprises: a locking body extending longitudinally withfirst and second ends; and a handle portion coupled to the locking body.24. The coupler of claim 23, wherein the handle portion of the lockingelement is coupled to the locking body at a midpoint between the firstand second ends of the locking body.
 25. A method for using a couplerand a first trough member, the method comprising the steps of: providinga terminal end of the first trough member coupled to the coupler,wherein the terminal end was inserted in a longitudinal direction into aspacing defined by the coupler; sliding a locking element on the couplerparallel to the longitudinal direction to release a spring from alocking position; and removing the terminal end of the first troughmember from the spacing so that the terminal end slides past the spring.26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of: providing aterminal end of a second trough member in a further spacing defined bythe coupler on a second side of the coupler; sliding the locking elementin an opposite direction to release the spring from the locked positionrelative to the second trough member; and removing the terminal end ofthe second trough member from the further spacing.
 27. A coupler for acable trough system including first and second trough members havingterminal ends, the coupler comprising: a body having open ends andincluding first and second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing ina first half of the body and a second spacing in a second half of thebody, the terminal end of the first trough member being inserted intothe first spacing in a longitudinal direction and the terminal end ofthe second trough member being inserted into the second spacing in thelongitudinal direction; and a releasable spring mechanism disposed onthe body adjacent the first guiding surface, wherein the releasablespring mechanism includes a first portion that engages the terminal endof the first trough member and a second portion that engages theterminal end of the second trough member, and wherein the first portionof the releasable spring mechanism is released independently of thesecond portion to release the terminal end of the first trough memberwhile maintaining engagement of the second portion with the terminal endof the second trough member.
 28. The coupler of claim 27, wherein thereleasable spring mechanism includes at least one locking elementmoveable to push and release the releasable spring mechanism.
 29. Thecoupler of claim 28, wherein the at least one locking element ismoveable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 30.The coupler of claim 28, wherein the at least one locking element is ascrew.
 31. The coupler of claim 28, wherein the at least one lockingelement is a slide.
 32. The coupler of claim 28, wherein the releasablespring mechanism includes a first spring positioned on the first half ofthe body to push the terminal end of the first trough member and asecond spring positioned on the second half of the body to push theterminal end of the second trough member, the first and second springseach being releasable independent of the other.
 33. A coupler for acable trough system, the coupler comprising: a body having a bodyterminal end defining an overlap region, the overlap region being sizedto slideably receive a terminal end of a trough member along alongitudinal direction of the trough member between a first and a secondguiding surface of the body; a spring positioned to selectively forcethe terminal end of the trough member, the spring including alongitudinal portion coupled at an end to an arm portion, wherein thelongitudinal portion extends from the end in the longitudinal directiontowards the body terminal end, and wherein the arm portion extends at anangle in relation to the longitudinal portion towards the first guidingsurface and away from the body terminal end; and a locking elementcarried on the body for positioning the spring, the locking elementbeing coupled to the spring and the body at a point between the armportion of the spring and the body terminal end, and wherein the lockingelement is moveable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction betweena locking position and a release position.
 34. The coupler of claim 33,wherein the overlap region defines a U-shaped spacing for receiving theterminal end of a U-shaped trough.
 35. The coupler of claim 33, furthercomprising a plurality of springs and a plurality of locking elements,one locking element for each spring.
 36. The coupler of claim 35,wherein the body includes a midpoint dividing first and second halves ofthe body, and wherein the plurality of springs and locking elements arespaced so that a first half of the plurality of springs and lockingelements are positioned adjacent the midpoint on the first half of thebody and a second half are positioned adjacent the midpoint on thesecond half of the body.
 37. The coupler of claim 36, wherein the firsthalf of the plurality of springs are releasable independently of thesecond half of the plurality of springs.
 38. The coupler of claim 33,wherein the locking element is a screw.
 39. A coupler for a cable troughsystem including first and second trough members having terminal ends,the coupler comprising: a body having open ends and including first andsecond guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half of thebody and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminal endof the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing in alongitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second trough memberbeing inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinal direction; afirst spring portion coupled to the body; a second spring portioncoupled to the body; and means for selectively releasing the first orsecond spring portion from engagement with the first or second troughmember while maintaining engagement of the other with the first orsecond trough member.
 40. A coupler for a cable trough system includingfirst and second trough members having terminal ends, the couplercomprising: a body having open ends and including first and secondguiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half of the bodyand a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminal end ofthe first trough member being inserted into the first spacing in alongitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second trough memberbeing inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinal direction; afirst spring portion coupled to the body; a second spring portioncoupled to the body; a first locking element coupled adjacent to thefirst spring portion; and a second locking element coupled adjacent tothe second spring portion; wherein the first locking element pushes thefirst spring portion against the first trough member and the secondlocking element pushes the second spring portion against the secondtrough member, and wherein the first spring portion and associated firstlocking element are released to release the first trough member whilemaintaining engagement of the second spring portion and the associatedsecond locking element with the second trough member.
 41. A method foruse of a coupler and a trough system including first and second troughmembers, the method comprising the steps of: providing a terminal end ofthe first trough member coupled to the coupler and a terminal end of thesecond trough member coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal endswere inserted in a longitudinal direction into first and second spacingsdefined by the coupler, wherein the first trough member is held to thecoupler with a first spring portion, and wherein the second troughmember is held to the coupler with a second spring portion; releasingthe first spring portion to release the terminal end of the first troughmember without releasing the terminal end of the second trough member;and removing the terminal end of the first trough member from the firstspacing.
 42. A method for use of a coupler and a trough system includingfirst and second trough members, the method comprising the steps of:providing a terminal end of the first trough member coupled to thecoupler and a terminal end of the second trough member coupled to thecoupler, wherein the terminal ends were inserted in a longitudinaldirection into first and second spacings defined by the coupler;releasing a plurality of first locking elements on the coupler in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to release aplurality of first springs from a locking position to release theterminal end of the first trough member without releasing the terminalend of the second trough member; and removing the terminal end of thefirst trough member from the first spacing so that the terminal end ofthe first trough member slides past the first plurality of springs. 43.The method of claim 42, further comprising the steps of: releasing aplurality of second locking elements on the coupler in a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction to release a plurality ofsecond springs from a locking position to release the terminal end ofthe second trough member; and removing the terminal end of the secondtrough member from the second spacing so that the terminal end slidespast the second plurality of springs.